A different kind of blog hop!

Good morning! This is a different post for me... no card or creation to share, just a little bit about me!
I was surprised (very) and flattered (even more so) to be tagged by the lovely and very talented Sharon of  http://nellieshandmadecards.blogspot.co.uk/   to join in this 'blog hop with a difference'. I am always blown away by the beauty of Sharon's designs and a visit to her blog is a complete delight!
 I have to admit to being a bit lazy, and not over confident about being able to do this, but if you don't try anything new, life  can get a bit boring!
I then read some blog posts from other people who have joined this hop.... there certainly are some amazingly talented and very interesting people out there in craft blog land! I recommend that you hop backwards as well as forwards to read some of these wonderful posts...so enlightening to have a little knowledge of how other crafters work! I can't believe how sensible and organised some people are!

Now, you kind of get a list of questions to answer, although I think (hope!!!) it's ok to frame the post quite loosely around them!

One thing I always admire in some other people's work is how they have a definite 'style', I can pick out some cards from challenge entries and know who created them without looking at the name! The creations are different and original but always carry their creators "trademark".
Personally I don't have a style! I'm a dabbler! Cards, scrapbooking, altered art. I love stamping, colouring, inks and paints. I love to try new techniques and products (and buy new stuff:)) I get messy. I am slow....I can spend ages moving around a piece of paper or a die cut! My craft space is usually a tip....my husband has been known to stagger out, wild-eyed, muttering 'how can anyone make that much mess making a card?' -I can spend ages on something -and then file it in the bin!

I don't often have much of an idea in my head when I start to make something, sometimes I decide to use a sketch, but unless I need to follow one for a DT card or specific challenge my card rarely resembles the original sketch! I find colouring totally relaxing and can quite happily spend hours with my copics thinking that it will save time when I come to make a card....then I spend hours looking for the right papers to match....
I think my cards just evolve by themselves!

I do it because I love it!
 I believe there is something inside all of us that just needs to be creative in some form.

At present I'm not working on much at all. The weather is too lovely to be indoors, and we have to make the most of the sunshine in the UK! I've a couple of DT cards part made and I've also been playing with some beautiful Lavinia stamps.... was going to enter their challenge this month but doubt if I'll finish anything in time.... !

 

Now for the good bit....I have tagged my lovely friend and fellow crafter Julie of    http://julie-rainbowdays.blogspot.co.uk/                     
Not only is she an extremely talented and artistic lady, she's also funny, generous, kind and supportive ! I don't think I would have ever dared apply for any design teams if wasn't for her, so thanks Julie, I have had so much fun and met so many lovely people in blogland. Julie's work is amazing, she has her own beautiful and very distinctive style, but is never afraid to try something new so that everything she creates looks so fresh and original.

 Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. I'll leave you with a more recent photo of my ' helpful ' craft buddy, Mathilda. (See Sharon's post!!)

Like me, she's enjoying the sunshine!

                                                                    Chris
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